| Squaring the Chassis by Tony Leary |
(original
page located at http://www.dwarfcarracing.com/tech_info_.htm) |
| This method is used
when the car has been involved in contact and or there are no frame tabs
to go by. If your car has tabs this will confirm if they are correct or
not. Place car on level and squared scale ramps. Place two rims in front of the car, place a straight edge (6 foot level) across the rims. Measure from the straight edge (SE) to the lower control arm inner pivot bolt heads. Move straight edge until left and right measurements are equal.(parallel to the lower frame) Now measure from the straight edge to side of the lower control arm near the inner pivot. (Note this length) Now measure from the SE to the outer most points of the lower arm. If not equal loosen the jam nuts on the radius rod and twist the rod until all measurements are equal and lock down the jam nuts. Next do this for the other side. (You want all measurements to be the same so both arms are parallel)To Square the rear end to the front. Tools needed: (2) 2 inch "C" clamps, (2) ~ 4 inch ½ x ½ angle, (2) 6 inch string plum bobs, (2) ~ 3 inch lengths of duct tape, Measuring tape 10 foot min. Clamp angles to lower control arms inner bolts heads. (Heim Joints) Tape strings over axles tubes (behind) at outer ends ( Make sure they do not touch anything ) by lower rod ends. Tape hook end of tape measure to tape measure. Run a measurement to the strings Measure both inline and diagonals. NOTE: subtract .75 for bolt head to center of the heim (if using 1/2inch type), also subtract ½ the axle tube diameter (check the diam on both sides stock Toyota tapers). Move hook to other side and repeat step 4. Adjust the rear heims as needed be sure to check the pinion angle. Note that if your lower control arms are parallel with the front frame rail the straight measurement made in step 4 is your wheelbase. Make sure to write all final measurements down! Bring everything listed in tools needed to the track. If you have contact run the measurement between rounds. |